GUJARAT. Weekly monitoring with the latest market information from India on cumin, turmeric and chilli and black pepper as well as a price list for more than 70 products.Cumin seeds
1. Oversupply & Weak Demand — Prices Under Pressure
- Despite India being the world’s largest cumin exporter, robust export figures (up ~39.6% year-on-year to 212,502 tonnes in April–March 2025) haven’t translated into price strength due to subdued new demand and abundant stocks.
- Farmers hold around 20 lakh bags, but only 3–4 lakh are expected to be traded this season, leaving 16 lakh bags to carry forward—creating continued downward pressure.
2. Export Headwinds from U.S. Tariffs
- The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on cumin, previously duty-free. The Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) warns this may slash cumin trade volumes by ~15%.
- Though production is estimated at 5.38 lakh MT, a year-on-year dip due to erratic weather, carryover stocks from previous seasons keep overall availability stable.
3. Recent Mandis: Sharp Price Swings
- Late July (ending July 25, 2025):Mandi prices in Gujarat fell sharply:
- Porbandar: from ₹17,500 → ₹16,060 (–₹1,440 per quintal)
- Dhrangadhra: –₹500,
- Early August (August 5, 2025):Certain mandis saw a price surge:
- Rajasthan’s Dhorimanna reached ₹19,000/quintal (season high)
- Gujarat’s Wankaner, Dasada Patdi, Savarkundla—prices above ₹18,000
- Some other mandis lagged significantly, with lows below ₹14,000
4. Strategic Export Report from Unjha, Gujarat
- Between Feb 15 and April 10, 2025, cumin arrivals at Unjha APMC jumped 17.5% to 54,410 metric tonnes,
- year-on-year.
- Exports from Mehsana district (including Unjha) hit ₹3,995 crore, shipping to 101 countries. Major importers: China (25%), Bangladesh (16%), UAE (10%), US (5%), Morocco (4%)
